Walgreens expands vaccination offerings in Florida

By Michael Johnsen

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday announced the expansion of its vaccination offerings in Florida to include shingles and pneumonia.

“We’ve demonstrated through flu season and other health initiatives the important role Walgreens can play in providing convenient neighborhood access to immunizations and other preventive healthcare services,” stated Terry Gubbins, Walgreens market pharmacy director. “This is an excellent opportunity for our pharmacists to help educate residents about the importance of these vaccinations and collaborate further with our local healthcare providers to help improve immunization rates in our communities.”

The Florida Department of Health recently approved new regulations, giving certified pharmacists the ability to administer both Zostavax — a one-time vaccine that can reduce the risk of shingles in individuals 60 years of age and older — and also pneumococcal vaccine, to help protect against pneumonia.